CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background:
Steering is the collection of components, linkages, etc. which allows any vehicle to follow
the desired course. The primary purpose of the steering system is to allow the driver to
guide the vehicle. In the beginning, there was only one kind of steering system and it uses
manual effort only to emphasize the need for a steering assist. To move the vehicle in
different direction, the driver had to put a larger effort.
But, nowadays, the steering system has been much easier. The introduction of power steer-
ing has been a milestone in automobile industry. Power steering helps drivers steer by
augmenting steering effort of the steering wheel. Power steering are mainly of two types:
Hydraulic power steering and EPAS/EPS or MDPS. Motor-driven power steering systems
(MDPS) are replacing hydraulic power steering in many new vehicles today. They have
many advantages over traditional hydraulic power steering systems in engine independ-
ence/ fuel economy energy, modularity/quick assembly, compact size and environmental
compatibility.
The first power steering system on an automobile was apparently installed in 1876 by a
man with the surname of Fitts. The next power steering system was put on a Columbia 5-
ton truck in 1903. First patent to power steering was issued to Robert E. Twyford (USA)
on April 3, 1900. Francis W. Davis in 1926 invented and demonstrated the first practical
power steering system. The first commercially available passenger car power steering sys-
tem was introduced in 1951 on the Chrysler Imperial under the name "Hydraguide". The
first electric power steering system appeared on Suzuki Cervo in 1988.The system has
been applied by various automobile manufacturers.
Steering is the term applied to the collection of components, linkages etc. which will allow
a vehicle to follow a desired course. An automobile is steered with the help of steering
gears and linkages, which transfer the motion of hand operated steering wheel to the piv-
oted front wheel hubs via steering column. The other parts that are used for steering a
vehicle are steering wheel pads, steering boxes, steering shafts, steering arms and steering
stabilizers. These parts are made up of durable materials like stainless steel, iron, alumi-
num, copper, platinum, titanium, rubber and plastics.[1]
Functions of steering system are:
i. It provides the means for directing the course of the vehicle
ii. It transforms steering wheel's rotary movement into angular turn of front wheels.
iii. It multiplies the effort of the driver by leverage in order to make it fairly easy to
turn the wheels.[1]
iv. It absorbs major part of road shocks thereby preventing them to get transmitted to
the hands of driver.[1]

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There are two types of steering systems i.e. manual steering and power steering. Power
steering may be defined as the steering system that derives an external power other than
that applied by driver's hand through a source generally a hydraulic pump or an electric
motor. Power steering helps the driver to steer by directing some of its power to assist in
swiveling the steered road wheels about their steering axes.[2]
The hydraulic power steering uses high pressure fluid for assisting the steering move-
ment.[3] The major components of hydraulic power steering are hydraulic pump, control
valve, power cylinder, fluid reservoir and hoses. The pump draws power from the engine
continuously. Electronic power steering uses a D.C motor to provide assistance. The motor
may be employed to provide assistance on steering column, pinion gear or on the rack.
The major components of electronic power steering are torque-angle sensor, electronic
control unit, motor speed sensor and a dc motor. The motor draws power from the battery
only when needed.
Electro-hydraulic power steering systems, sometimes abbreviated EHPS, and also some-
times called hybrid systems, use the same hydraulic assist technology as standard sys-
tems, but the hydraulic pressure is provided by the pump driven by an electric motor in-
stead of being belt-driven by the engine.

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 CHAPTER 2
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

2.1 Comparison:
Though, both hydraulic and electric power steering systems assist the driver to turn the
steering wheel in easier way, they are different from each other in various aspects. The
differences between them can be outlined in the following aspects.
i. Components
ii. Operation
iii. Power assistance mechanism
iv. Maintenance
v. Fluid
vi. Source of power
vii. Time of response
viii. Weight
ix. Simplicity
x. Mileage
They are explained below:
i. Components:
There are more components in hydraulic power steering system than in electric
power steering system. Hydraulic assist system comprises of following com-
ponents;
Reservoir- to hold the fluid
Pump- to force the liquid through the system
Valves- to control the liquid direction, pressure and flow rate
Actuators-to convert the energy of the liquid into mechanical force or
torque, to do useful work. Actuators can either be cylinders which pro-
vide linear motion or motors which provide rotary motion
Power source (engine)- to drive the pump
Piping- to convey the liquid from one location to another
Rubber seals and bushes-to prevent leakage of fluid
Electrical assist system comprises of following components;
Torque sensor- to sense the torque applied by the driver
Motor speed sensor-to feedback the position and speed of motor
Electronic Control Unit (ECU)- to receive signals from sensors and
control the motor accordingly
Power source(battery)- to run the electronic components[4]

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ii. Operation:
Electric system; when the driver turns the steering wheel, the direction and
magnitude of torque applied is sensed by torque sensor. The sensed signal is
sent to the ECU which calculates the amount of current required to turn the
motor by the amount such that motor provides assist to turn the wheels by that
amount intended by the driver. The motor is provided with a motor speed sen-
sor that provides feedback of its position and speed to the ECU. ECU then ac-
cordingly calculates the amount of current required for the motor in the basis
of further received torque signal.
Hydraulic system; in hydraulic system when the driver turns the steering wheel,
a control valve opens allowing the pressurized fluid to flow into the actuator
cylinder. As the steering wheel is turned more, the fluid pressure increases too,
pushing the power cylinder piston which further pushes the tie rod, that is con-
nected to the wheel, in the required amount thereby assisting to steer.
iii. Power assistance mechanism:
In hydraulic system, the steering gear's internal cavity is divided into two cham-
bers by a sealed piston attached to the rack. Applying pressurized hydraulic
fluid to one side of the piston while allowing fluid to return from the other side
to a reservoir, provides steering assistance. A valve attached to the pinion shaft
controls the hydraulic-fluid flow.[5]
In electric system, to provide steering assistance, an electric motor mounted to
the side of the rack housing drives a ball-screw mechanism via a toothed rubber
belt. The screw engages a spiral cut in the outside of the steering rack. A torque
sensor attached to the pinion shaft signals a control computer when to provide
assistance.[5]
iv. Maintenance:
Electric power steering system is less prone to problems and faults and are
more durable as compared to hydraulic power steering.[3] Because of a number
of rubber parts in hydraulic system they have to be replaced more often, and
due to pressure leakage occurs due to which frequent repair is required.
In electric power steering no such problems occur.
v. Fluid:
Steering fluid is used in hydraulic systems but not in electric systems.
vi. Source of power:
Hydraulic systems consume the power of engine directly to drive the pump and
it does so even when assist is not required.
Electric systems use battery power only when assist is required.
vii. Time of response:
Electric power steering gives better response at different speeds as compared
to hydraulic power steering.[3]

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 viii. Weight:
Due to more number of components and use of fluid, hydraulic system poses
more weight than electric system that can be applied to the same vehicle.
ix. Simplicity:
Hydraulic Power Steering System is complicated compared with Electric
Power Steering.[3]
x. Mileage:
Hydraulic power steering extracts power from engine, so it reduces the fuel
mileage of the engine. Electric power steering consumes power from battery
which is also charged by engine, but it consumes less power compared to Hy-
draulic power steering. So a car having Electric power steering will give more
mileage than one with Hydraulic power steering.[3]

2.2 Advantages and Disadvantages:

For hydraulic system Reference[6] lists following disadvantages:
i. A hydraulic system is more complicated than electric
ii. EPS gives better response at different speeds compared to hydraulic
iii. A hydraulic system is heavier
iv. Hydraulic power systems require hydraulic fluid, meaning more maintenance
for auto mechanics
v. Hydraulic steering takes power from the engine, reducing fuel mileage
vi. Electric systems have fewer problems overall than hydraulic power steering
Reference[4] states following advantages of hydraulic system:
i. Ease and accuracy of control: By the use of simple levers and push buttons, the
operator of a hydraulic system can easily start, stop, speed up and slow down.
ii. Multiplication of force: A fluid power system (without using cumbersome
gears, pulleys and levers) can multiply forces simply and efficiently from a
fraction of a pound, to several hundred tons of output.
iii. Constant force and torque: Only fluid power systems are capable of providing
a constant torque or force regardless of speed changes.
iv. Simple, safe and economical: In general, hydraulic systems use fewer moving
parts in comparison with mechanical and electrical systems. Thus, they become
simpler and easier to maintain.
For electric system, advantages are:
i. It consumes less power through the use of battery only when assist is required.
ii. An electric system is more dynamic than a hydraulic system. Not only does it
change its behavior automatically to suit the driving conditions, it can also be
adjusted by mechanics to suit your exact specifications. Some people prefer to
barely move the steering wheel, while others prefer to "feel the road" by having

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 a steering wheel they have to put more effort into. Electric power steering sys-
tems can accommodate both groups with ease.[7]
iii. An electric power steering system is less mechanically complex than a hydrau-
lic system. It has fewer moving parts and does not have any fluid. This means
that it is less likely to break and is guaranteed not to leak. In general, the simpler
a product is, the more reliable it is, and electric power steering is no excep-
tion.[7]
iv. Easier assembly: The electric power steering unit merely bolts into place on the
assembly line.[8]
v. It gives faster response than hydraulic steering
Disadvantages of EPS:
i. Cost; electric power steering systems improve auto efficiency and safety. How-
ever, electric power steering is still relatively new and costly compared with
traditional hydraulic steering.[9]
ii. A disadvantage common to electronic car parts is they can't be repaired without
specialized diagnostic equipment and advanced tools. Electric power steering
is a great boon to a car, but when it fails due to computer failure, sensor damage
or just parts wearing out, the owner will be stuck with a significant bill. More
traditional systems are friendlier to the DIY owner.[9]

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 CHAPTER 3
PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

3.1 Problems occurred in Hydraulic Power Steering:

The problems in hydraulic power steering are as follows:
i. Power Steering Leak
The most common power steering problem that people are going to find is a leak in the
system. This problem has a few different signs that will help you diagnose it pretty
quickly. Besides the telltale appearance of fluid on the drivers side of the vehicle, you
will also notice a grinding noise when you turn the wheel. When you hear the sound, you
are getting to the point where the fluid is very low and it must be fixed quickly. If you
run out of fluid, pump can burn out completely.
ii. Drive Belt Slipping
Another very common problem that is associated with the power steering occurs when
the belt in the pump starts to slip. You will notice this very quickly when you hear a very
loud squealing sound as you turn the steering wheel in a sharp turn. For example, when
you come to a stop and must turn onto a new street, the squealing should be heard as you
turn the wheel all the way in whichever direction youre going.
iii. Cracked Hoses
After several years of use, you will find that some of the hoses associated with the power
steering system can start to become dry and cracked. The only way to realize this before
you start to have a leak is with a periodic inspection of the hoses and other components
in your car's engine compartment.
iv. Hose is Worn
Because of the close proximity to other parts in the engine bay, there is the chance that
the hoses will make contact with other parts as the vehicle is driven. This contact can
begin to wear a hole in the side of a hose, or start to make it a little spongy on one side.
After some time, the pressure in the hose can cause it to burst while driving. A sudden
loss of pressure will cause your steering to get very hard, quickly.
v. Peeling Hose
Another problem associated with the power steering can be found after it has been
worked on. When the hose has been over crimped at one end, you might notice a little
bit of peeling back on the hose.
vi. Coupling Creeps Off
If you have owned your vehicle for several years, and drive it a lot, one more problem
that you can find is that the coupling on the hose will begin to creep off. A quick visual
inspection of the power steering will show this problem.

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vii. Insufficient to Drive Cylinder at Full Speed
The cylinder of hydraulic power steering system requires maximum power to drive. The
power from the engine is insufficient and hence sometimes the cylinder fails to work.

3.2 Limitations of Hydraulic Power Steering

Handling of hydraulic oils which can be quite messy. It is also very difficult to completely
eliminate leakage in a hydraulic system. Hydraulic lines can burst causing serious human
injuries. Most hydraulic fluids have a tendency to catch fire in the event of leakage, espe-
cially in hot regions.
Some of the limitations are:
i. Slower motion
ii. Complex construction
iii. Heavy and weight of the vehicle increases compared to EPS

3.3 Solutions in Hydraulic Power Steering:

i. Prevent leaks
The leaks can be prevented by the following ways which are as follows:
Secure all hoses away from chafe points. Hydraulic hose moves slightly with a
change of pressure (turning the helm) and each movement can mean chafe even-
tually leading to a leak.
Use a small strip of 3M oil sorbent mat wire-tied around each fitting. This gives
the operator an early indication if any leaks have formed and absorbs a drip be-
fore reaches the bilge.
Lay a 3M oil sorbent mat under each cylinder so we can clearly see if a leak has
begun. Even the smallest drop should be noted and traced out.
Wrap all externally exposed hydraulic fittings with greased tape. Greased tape,
purchased at any hydraulic shop, will prevent rust from starting.
Dont lean on the wheel. The wheel is actually hanging on the center shaft of the
helm pump. If weight is put upon the wheel while turning, the shaft will eventu-
ally wear causing a leak.
Use one brand of hose and connections on all fittings to prevent small inconsist-
encies in mating faces.
ii. Steering belt adjustment
Some people notice steering problems that only occur when a vehicle reaches a certain
speed, is driving around sharp curves or when it rains. Problems may also be noticeable
by a loud screeching sound when the vehicle is started. If these types of problems be-
come noticeable, the belt may need to be adjusted or replaced. The belt will not typically
break or snap off when the car is in motion. With the vehicle off, open the hood of the

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car. This belt is toward the front of the engine and is powered by a pulley on the crank-
shaft. It is not the same belt that supplies power to the alternator or water pump. How-
ever, some vehicles only have a serpentine belt that supplies power to all systems. Since
the pump is pivoted, it is easy to move the belt away from the engine. This increases
tension and reduces the sounds or problems associated with a slipping belt. Make sure
the tension is correct according to the owner's manual. Use a tension gauge to test it.
iii. Power steering belt replacement
If the belt is broken, cracked or severely damaged, it is best to replace it. Check the old
belt's part number, and be sure to purchase the correct type of replacement belt. Unbolt
the lower and upper mount points. Without completely removing the power steering
pump, take the belt out. If it is too difficult, remove one of the pulleys to avoid cutting
the belt. When putting the new belt on, make sure the beveled edge is lined up with the
pulley's groove. Make sure it is at the correct tension, replace the bolts and spray the belt
with dressing.
iv. Power steering hose
The signs of a clog may be harder to identify at first. A clog in a hose may mimic a belt
problem or a leak problem. The steering wheel may be difficult to turn, and vehicle own-
ers may notice a whining sound when they turn the wheel. When power steering fluid
moves through the pump and system, there is a complex network of gears it passes
through. It is important to address a possible clog immediately. If the clog is not in the
hose, it may be in the gears and lead to pump failure. Gear clogs should be fixed by a
mechanic. Try to fix a clog by replacing the hose. Put a drain pan under the hose on the
steering rack. Disconnect the hose, and install a new hose using the same connection
route.
v. Power steering pump
This problem typically manifests itself through a humming sound or a change in pitch
when the engine's RPMs change. If the problem is severe, there may also be a leak around
the shaft of the pump that causes wobbling in the pulley. Although the power steering
pump is a simple device, it is the life of the entire system for power steering. The pump
draws power from the engine, distributes it through the system and makes it easier to
steer the vehicle. If the pump must be replaced, only attempt to replace it if the process
is understandable. People who do not have the right tools or experience should have a
mechanic do this repair. The right pump, hoses, pulleys, belts and tools must be pur-
chased. Use a guide that is made specifically for the type of vehicle owned, and consult
the owner's manual for specs on parts. When buying a new pump, check to see if the
vendor accepts old pumps as partial credit. Some vendors accept them with the intention
of rebuilding and reselling them. Buying a rebuilt pump is less expensive. Be sure to
weigh options and budget needs before making a decision.

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3.4 Problems in EPS
The basic problems in EPS are as follows:
i. Preventing problems
There are a few things you can do as a driver to prevent the power steering control unit
from going bad. Do not crank the wheel, or hold the steering for a long period of time
while you are driving or while at a stop. This will cause the power steering control unit
to go into reduced steering assist to prevent damage to the steering components. If this
happens, it may be difficult to steer.
ii. Steered to one side only
Since the motor is coupled to the pinion, the pinion tends to move in one sided direction
in neutral position. Hence, the driver should be caution to handle the steering wheel.
iii. Failing power steering control unit
The power steering control unit uses electric power assisted steering to support you in
driving the vehicle. Power steering control units are found on electronically controlled
power steering systems as opposed to the older hydraulically controlled systems. The
control unit applies torque through the motor, which connects to the steering column or
the steering gear. This allows assistance to be applied to the vehicle, depending on cer-
tain driving conditions and demand.

3.5 Solution of EPS

There are a few things we can do as a driver to prevent the power steering control unit
from going bad. Do not crank the wheel, or hold the steering for a long period of time
while you are driving or while at a stop. This will cause the power steering control unit to
go into reduced steering assist to prevent damage to the steering components. If this hap-
pens, it may be difficult to steer. A mechanic can read the codes on the computer to see if
there is a problem, or if there is an error with the computer.

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 CHAPTER 4
CONCLUSION

Mainly two types of power steering have been used in automobiles till today, with hydrau-
lic steering system origin at first and then electric power steering. With the better efficient
and enhancement of electric power steering, it is now mostly used in modern automobiles.
It does not have complex system as much as hydraulic system has. This system has less
weight and most importantly it consumes low power from the engine as compared to hy-
draulic system. However, electric power steering has not been applicable in heavy motor
vehicles.
Comparative analysis of the power steering, hydraulic and electric, is done with their ad-
vantages, disadvantages, problems and their solutions. From the study, for modern motor
vehicles, electric power steering is suitable rather than hydraulic power steering. Due to
the reduction of weight, less usage of engines power and high response, electric power
steering is suitable for light vehicles to heavy vehicles. The use of digital electronics in the
electric power steering has made the system response in exact time with high accuracy.
Though there are some disadvantages of electric power steering but its disadvantages are
relatively less effective and has low failure conditions.

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 REFERENCES

[1] Steering System. (2014, November 27). Retrieved from

http://www.slideshare.net/gauravgunjan24/steering-system Accessed on 2017Aug 07
[2] Wikipedia. (2017). http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/steering Accessed on 2017 Aug
07
[3] Power Steering. (2009, May 27). Retrieved from http://www.carblogindia.com/elec-
tric-power-steering-vs-hydraulic-power-steering Accessed on 2017Aug 07
[4] Hydraulic Systems Components. (2011,December 2). Retrieved from
http://www.valve.hydraulic.info/hydraulic-circuit-design/ hydraulic-systems-components
[5] A Comprehensive Comparison Test of Electric and Hydraulic Steering Assist. (2013,
January 12). Retrieved from http://www.caranddriver.com/electric-power-steering-vs-hy-
draulic-power-steering/
[6] Comparing Hydraulic Vs Electric Steering (2014, September 11) Retrieved from
http://www.autotrainingcentre.com/blog/comparing-hydraulic-electric-steering/
[7] Grover. S. (2017, May 13). The advantages of Electric Power Steering. Retrieved from
http://www.ehow.co.uk/list_7447826_advantages-electric-power-steering.html
[8] Jewett. D. (1993, February 3). BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. Re-
trieved from http://www.autonews.com/article/19970203/ana/702030740/benefits-of-
electric-power-steering
[9] Retrieved from https://itstillruns.com/disadvantages-electric-power-steering-
6897045.html

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